Head of Learning – Academies

Salary: £43,294 - £49,584 per annum (Grade 5)

Full Time, 37 Hours Per Week, Permanent (1.0 FTE)

Excellent suite of total reward benefits

Stoke on Trent College is an exciting and fast-growing place to be, and we are passionate about getting our learners Skills Ready; Future Ready.

Be part of an Ofsted ‘Good’ College with good financial health, and contribute to our continuing progress. These are exciting times as we continue on our journey to becoming the innovative, technical and professional College of choice.
 

Are you an inclusive and forward-thinking leader with a passion for education and skills development?

We’re looking for a values-driven Head of Learning to lead our Sport, Business, Public Services, Hair and Beauty, and Hospitality curriculum areas across Study Programmes and Adult Learning. This is a key leadership role, working closely with the Director of Service Industries and Employability, with strategic and operational responsibility for delivering high-quality, learner-centred provision that meets the needs of our diverse student body, employers, and the wider community.

Why this role matters

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and growing our curriculum offer, driving innovation, and embedding continuous improvement. Working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners, you’ll ensure our provision is inclusive, ambitious, and aligned with real-world opportunities—supporting learners to achieve their goals and progress into further education, employment, or training.

What you’ll bring

We welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds and experiences. You may already be a curriculum leader or a senior practitioner ready to take the next step. What matters most is your commitment to inclusive education and your ability to lead with integrity and purpose.

You’ll bring:

• Experience of leading and shaping provision across Study Programmes, Adult Learning, and community-based delivery.
• A strong focus on teaching excellence and learner outcomes, using data and insight to drive improvement.
• An innovative approach to curriculum design that embeds real-world skills and progression pathways.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a track record of building partnerships and inclusive team cultures.
• A passion for learner achievement and a commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds to succeed.

Qualifications

• A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent)
• A degree in a relevant subject area
• Evidence of continued professional development

We offer a fantastic competitive reward package, including:

• Enhanced leave policies including 39 days annual leave plus bank holidays (plus an additional wellbeing day)
• A range of Family Friendly policies, including opportunities for Hybrid working as relevant to role
• Christmas Closure
• Bright, modern facilities, buildings and learning resources
• A competitive pension scheme
• On-site restaurant facilities and free breakfasts (cooked breakfast or continental options)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Access to Continuing Professional Development
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives and health-related benefits including individual health care plans
• Access to the College Sports Academy gym
• Free on-site parking

In the event of a high response to this advertisement, this vacancy will be closed. Early applications are advised.

Please submit your CV and covering letter to humanresources@stokecoll.ac.uk

Helpful to have an informal chat?

You are invited to contact Anthony Brannen (Director of services to commerce) at abran1sc@stokecoll.ac.uk

We are passionate about promoting equality of opportunity and creating a working environment where diversity is recognised and celebrated and everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. Our environment is diverse in character and student population.

The College is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including previous employment checks, online searches and an Enhanced DBS Check.